Wondering where the best spots to watch the New Year’s Eve Sydney Fireworks will be in 2023? You can either pay for a ticketed event, or take advantage of the many free vantage points around Sydney Harbour. Here’s everything you need to know about New Year’s Eve Sydney Fireworks.
Want to see the New Years Eve fireworks this year? The spectacle over Sydney Harbour is really quite magical, and there are many different vantage points where you can take in the view – many of which are on Sydney’s North Shore! We list the best free (and ticketed) vantage points to watch the NYE Fireworks.
If you want to take the kids to see fireworks but want something a little more local, there’s a few fabulous family-friendly options on Sydney’s Northern Beaches – Frenchs Forest, Manly, Dee Why and Bayview all do a 9pm show (and Bayview does a midnight fireworks too!). Details here.
Free New Year’s Eve Vantage Points in 2023
- Blues Point Reserve, North Sydney
- Bradfield Park, Milson’s Point
- Lavender Bay
- Balls Head Point Reserve, Waverton
- Carradah Park, Waverton
- Clarkes Point Reserve, Woolwich
- Manns Point, Greenwich
- Cremorne Point Reserve, Cremorne
- North Head, Manly
- Fireworks @ Manly & Dee Why
- Sydney Opera House
- The Rocks
- Royal Botanic Garden
- Barangaroo Reserve, Millers Point
- Bicentennial Park, Glebe
- Pirrama Park, Pyrmont
Best spots on the North Shore to watch the NYE fireworks
Bradfield Park, Milsons Point
You canโt get any closer to the New Year’s Eve fireworks on the North Shore than iconic Bradfield Park in Milsons Point. Nestled next to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it is a central vantage point, with a vibrant atmosphere and close to all the fireworks action. Bradfield Park is a picnic style, family-friendly event for New Years Eve.
Blues Point Reserve, McMahons Point
Blues Point Reserve features incredible views of the city and is a great spot to celebrate the New Year. This vantage point is aย ticketed event. There are toilets, as well as food and drink available for purchase. Public transport is highly recommended as there is no parking available. More information
Lavender Bay (North Sydney)
Comprising Clark, Quibaree and Watt Parks, this precinct offers excellent views of the western side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Access to Lavender Bay is through Clark Park on Harbourview Crescent.ย More information
Carradah Park, Waverton
A local park in Waverton with partial views of the Sydney fireworks. There are toilets available but no food or drinks on sale, so pack a picnic! More information
Manns Point, Greenwich
A family-friendly site with views over Darling Harbour and Barangaroo. Obstructed views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and fireworks.
Cremorne Point Reserve, Cremorne Point
Cremorne Point Reserve on the North Shore is a family-friendly spot with views of the eastern side of Sydney Harbour. It does become congested later in the day, so get there early to secure your spot. Offers some views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, some partial views due to trees. There are toilets, as well as food and drink available for purchase. Public transport is highly recommended as there is no parking available. Limited bus access after road closures, limited ferry service.
Balls Head Point Reserve, Waverton
Balls Head Point Reserve has restricted views of the Harbour Bridge and has steep embankments. There are toilets available but no food or drink will be on sale. More information
Clarkes Point Reserve, Woolwich
Fireworks will include barges at the Harbour Bridge precinct and down the rivers, including a barge between Clarkes Point and Cockatoo Island. There will be fireworks at 9pm and Midnight.
All vantage points are free to enter (unticketed) in Hunters Hill including Clarkes Point Reserve, Morts Reserve, Kellys Bush Reserve, Huntleys Point Underpass and Lookout Reserve.ย Traffic, parking and vehicle restrictions will be in place throughout the LGA. Police will be present throughout the evening.
Vantage points on theย Northern Beaches to watch the NYE fireworks
North Head, Manly
NSW National Parks are welcoming locals to celebrate here: tickets are free and bookings are not required. North Head is on the northern-most edge of Sydney Harbour National Park. It’s a peaceful, alcohol-free zone on New Year’s Eve, away from the hectic city crowds. Bring a picnic, spread out a rug and enjoy a quieter Sydney celebration at North Head. You’ll have panoramic views of the Sydney Harbour fireworks. More information
Where to watch the NYE fireworks in Sydney
Sydney Opera House
A popular vantage point to watch the fireworks for up to 7000 people. No BYO alcohol. There is food and drinks available for sale. More information
Barangaroo Reserve, Millers Point
Barangarooโs spectacular harbourside location is one of Sydneyโs largest vantage points to welcome New Yearโs Eve, with superb panoramic views of the western face of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The sloping lawns of the Reserve provide a safe place with ample room to spread out your picnic blanket and enjoy the spectacle that only Sydney can deliver! NYE23 at Barangaroo is a must-attend event for families, friends and couples wanting to experience a safe and memorable night enjoying a great view. More information
Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens
Celebrate New Yearโs Eve 2023 with views of the iconic Sydney fireworks from free viewing areas across The Domain and Royal Botanic Garden Sydney: Mrs Macquarieโs Point, Fleet Steps, Tarpeian Lawnย andย Bennelong Lawn.
Set up your picnic rug at one of four vantage points and enjoy views to the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and the Sydney Harbour fireworks.
All viewing sites will have food and beverage outlets including bar services and water refill stations. Food truck outlets will have a range of option to suit all tastes and dietary requirements. More information
The Rocks
Join the fun at places like Dawes Point Park, Hickson Rd Reserve, Campbells Cove, West Circular Quay, and East Circular Quay.
No special spots or reservations, it’s first-come, first-served. We’ll make sure it’s safe with capacity limits. Once a spot’s full, it’s closed, so come early! No pass outs this time, though.
You can also indulge in a culinary journey like no other with an array of fabulous food and drinks venues that cater to every taste. From Sydney’s oldest pub to a selection of top-notch restaurants and rooftop bars boasting panoramic views of the harbor, your evening will be filled with unforgettable moments. More information
Cahill Expressway
Enjoy New Yearโs Eve 2023 at this free, family-friendly event on the Cahill Expressway. Thousands of NSW residents will get the opportunity to join at one of Sydney’s best viewing spots, for their free, family-friendly event. Itโll be a night to remember, full of entertainment, tasty food, and breathtaking fireworks.
This ballot closed midnight on Friday 6 October 2023.
Pirrama Park, Pyrmont
Recommended as an accessible and family friendly site as it doesnโt get crowded. Great views of the western side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and harbour. Picnics welcome booking is required. More information
Best local family-friendly fireworks
Fireworks on the Northern Beaches
Manly NYE Fireworks
Can’t be bothered traipsing into the city to watch the fireworks, and want something a little closer to home? Then head to Sydney’s Northern Beaches, where there will be 9pm fireworks at Manly, Dee Why, Frenchs Forest and Bayview. Plus, Bayview is also doing midnight fireworks too!
This is a great option if you really want the kids to see fireworks, but they really aren’t fussed about seeing them over Sydney Harbour. Pack a picnic and enjoy an evening surrounded by lots of other families.
- Manly: 9pm
- Dee Why: 9pm
- Frenchs Forest: 9pm
- Bayview: 9pm & midnight
Ticketed New Year’s Eve Vantage Points in 2023
Taronga Zoo, Mosmanย
Along with spectacular views of the Harbour, enjoy an experience of the wild kind, welcome in the New Year at Taronga, and make your new yearโs resolution For the Wild! Bid farewell to 2023 and welcome in 2024 with them! Taronga Zoo is renowned as one of the most memorable foreshore venues for New Yearโs Eve, offering a unique experience for couples and individuals and a fun, safe and stress-free atmosphere for families.
All proceeds from ticket sales supportย Tarongaโs Conservation work.
- Address: Bradleys Head Road, Mosman
- Entry: Adult $225 |ย Children (4-5) $115 |ย Concession $198 | Children under 4 years are Free
- Opens:ย Silver from 6pm | Gold from 6.30pm | Diamond from 7pm | Platinum from 7.30pm
- Buy tickets.
Botanic Garden: Foundation & Friends NYE Picnic
Mrs Macquarieโs Point is a large garden area that hugs the harbour on the edge of the Botanic Gardens and provides a great vantage place to be on New Yearโs Eve and enjoy the fireworks.
Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Gardens invites you to experience New Yearโs Eve at our exclusive open-air waterfront picnic for our largest annual fundraiser. Situated on the beautiful Mare and Foal Lawn within the stunning Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, this is one of the best vantage points in town!
- Address: Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney NSW 2000
- Tickets: $170 Foundation & Friends Member | $200 Guest of Member | $40 Children 6-15 | Free for ages 5 and under
- Book tickets
Family-friendly New Year’s Eve at Bradleys Head, Mosman
Details on NYE vantage points in Sydney Harbour National Park will be available soon.ย
Free tickets will be available in mid-October for Bradleys Head (Mosman). Sign up to Naturescapesย and be the first to hear when NYE tickets are released.
- Address: Bradleys Head, Mosman
- Time: 3pm- 12.30am
- More information
